Cashews Nutritional Value

Cashews nutritional value, its health benefits and its creamy taste has enabled it to pave its way into people's diet plans. This article dwells on some important cashews nutrition facts. Read on...

The milky sweet and crunchy yummy cashew nut is a favorite between meals. It is considered as a delicacy in Brazil and the Caribbean and is also found in local markets all the year round. Cashew trees are natives to the coastal regions of northeastern Brazil and were spread across the globe by Portuguese explorers. Cashew nuts are kidney shaped seeds that adhere to the base of the fruit of the cashew tree called cashew apple. The nuts are kidney bean shaped, creamy white in color and feature a smooth surface, which is firm yet delicate. The shell of the cashew nut contains a caustic resin, which is removed carefully before consumption. The resin is used to make varnishes and insecticides, while the inner nut is roasted and eaten. Cashew nuts also make awesome nut butter and can also be added to salads, puddings, stir fry dishes, etc. Cashews are rich in monounsaturated fats and oxidants, which is why they are treasured and relished across the world. Let us find out more about cashews nutritional value.

Cashews Nutrition Facts

Cashews nutrition information as per 100g of cashew (Anacardium occidentale)

Nutrient

Content

Carbohydrates

30.19 g

Protein

18.22 g

Total Fat

43.85 g

Cholesterol

0 g

Dietary Fiber

3.3 g

Energy

553 Kcal

Pyridoxine

0.417 mg

Thiamin

0.423 mg

Vitamin E

5.31 mg

Folate

25 mcg

Calcium

37 mg

Magnesium

292 mg

Copper

2.195 mg

Potassium

660 mg

Sodium

12 mg

Manganese

1.655 mg

Cashews Health Benefits

The above data about cashews nutritional value is a good indicator why these kidney shaped seeds should be included in the diet plan. Cashews work as great health boosters and a good source of monounsaturated fats and proteins. Moreover, cashews are loaded with vitamins and minerals, which is also another reason for consuming them.

Diabetes: Several studies reveal that when monounsaturated fat is added to a low-fat diet, it helps reduce high triglyceride levels. Triglyceride is the fat form in which fats are carried in the blood, thus, high triglyceride levels are known to increase the chances of heart diseases. Consuming a diet with some monounsaturated fats is good for people with diabetes.

Gallstones Prevention: A study done on 80,000 women by the Nurses' Health Study reveals that women who ate about 1 ounce of nuts a day had 25% lower risk of developing gallstones.

Weight Control: Often people shun away from eating cashews due to fear of weight gain. However, a study conducted and published in the journal 'Obesity', reveals that people consuming nuts at least 2 times a week are less likely to gain weight. Besides cashews have zero cholesterol content.

Antioxidants: The antioxidants present in the body help eliminate all free radicals that destroy cell membranes and act as free radical scavengers. Free radicals are harmful, as they destroy cell membranes, thereby, conducing to some form of cancer.

Magnesium: Adequate amounts of magnesium present in the cashew helps keep high blood pressure, headaches, fatigue, muscle spasms and migraines at bay. Moreover, magnesium also controls the amounts of calcium infused in the nerves, thereby, ensuring smooth functioning of the nerves.

Copper: Copper helps in energy and melanin production. Melanin is a pigment that imparts color to the skin and hair. It is also involved in the development of bone and connective tissue and also aids other physiological processes in the body.

Hope the article on the nutritional value of cashew nuts and its corresponding health benefits has convinced you about how beneficial cashews really are. You will find sweetened as well as salted cashews all the year round in the markets. You can eat them as they are or even add them to desserts, curry preparations, etc.